Principal Cloud Systems Engineer

GliaCell Technologies; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 200,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long term job security

Competitive salaries & bonus

Challenging work you are passionate

Work with talented people

Job summary

GliaCell Technologies seeks a Principal Cloud Systems Engineer to advance cloud-native architectures and CDN edge networks on a full-time onsite role in Columbia, MD. You will bridge research and practice, delivering scalable, secure solutions and contributing to mission-focused projects.

The role emphasizes automated deployments, robust documentation, and collaboration with cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance is required.
• U.S. Citizenship.
• 12 years of professional/education experience or 4 additional years in place of a BS.
• Works well independently and in a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Translate high-level research objectives into concrete, scalable cloud-native architectures.
• Conduct deep-dive CDN, edge computing, traffic routing, and caching research.
• Design, research, and implement automated CI/CD pipelines and IaC for testbed and production.
• Create and maintain comprehensive system documentation of designs and deployment processes.
• Collaborate with researchers, software engineers, and network specialists to build robust environments.

Skills

Systems Eng

Cloud Native

CDN & Networking

Automation & IaC

Analytical Skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree with 12 yrs exp or 4 extra yrs

Tools

Gitlab

Terraform

Job description

An active or rein-statable TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance is REQUIRED. Please do not apply if you currently do not possess this level of clearance.

Are you a Principal Cloud Systems Engineer who is ready for a new challenge that will launch your career to the next level?

• Tired of being treated like a company drone?
• Tired of promised adventures during the hiring phase, then dropped off on a remote contract and never seen or heard from the mothership again?
• Our engineers were certainly tired of the same.

At GliaCell our slogan is “We make It happen”

• We will immerse you in the latest technologies.
• We will develop and support your own personalized training program to continue your individual growth.
• We will provide you with work that matters with our mission focused customers, and surround you with a family of brilliant engineers.

Culture isn’t something you need to talk about…if it just exists.

If this sounds interesting to you, then we’d like to have a discussion regarding your next adventure! If you want to be a drone, this isn’t the place for you.

We Make It Happen!

GliaCell Technologies focuses on Software & System Engineering in Enterprise and Cyber Security solution spaces. We excel at delivering stable and reliable software solutions using Agile Software Development principles. These provide us the capability to deliver a quick turn-around using interactive applications and the integration of industry standard software stacks.

GliaCell’s Enterprise capabilities include Full-Stack Application Development, Big Data, Cloud Technologies, Analytics, Machine Learning, AI, and DevOps Containerization. We also provide customer solutions in the areas of CND, CNE, and CNO by providing our customers with assessments and solutions in Threat Mitigation, Vulnerability Exposure, Penetration Testing, Threat Hunting, and Preventing Advanced Persistent Threat.

We Offer

• Long term job security
• Competitive salaries & bonus opportunities
• Challenging work you are passionate about
• Ability to work with some amazingly talented people

Job Description

GliaCell is seeking a Principal Cloud Systems Engineer on one of our subcontracts. This is a full-time position offering the opportunity to support a U.S. Government customer. The mission is to provide technical expertise that assists in sustaining critical mission-related software and systems to a large government contract.

• We are seeking an innovative and analytical Systems Engineer to join our research and development team focused on the future of cloud-native architectures, specifically Content Delivery Networks (CDNs).
• In this role, you will be at the forefront of distributed systems research, exploring new methodologies to optimize, secure, and scale edge networks.
• You will bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation, transforming complex technical requirements into robust, automated, and well-documented cloud-native architectures.
• If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of CDN technology, designing zero-touch deployment systems, and solving complex infrastructure challenges, we want you on our team.

Responsibilities

• Requirements & Architecture: Lead the technical translation of high-level research objectives into concrete, scalable cloud-native system architectures.
• CDN Research & Development: Conduct deep-dive research into next-generation CDN technologies, edge computing, traffic routing, and caching strategies.
• Automated Deployments: Design, research, and implement fully automated, resilient deployment pipelines (CI/CD) and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) for both testbed environments and production-grade prototypes.
• System Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive, high-quality documentation covering system designs, architectural decisions, deployment processes, and research findings.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with researchers, software engineers, and network specialists to build robust environments that support cutting-edge distributed systems experimentation.

Key Requirements

To be considered for this position you must have the following:

• Possess an active or rein-statable TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship.
• Professional/Education experience: 12 years & Bachelors of Science Degree, or 4 additional years in place of a BS Degree.
• Works well independently as well as on a team.
• Strong communication skills.

Required Skills

• Systems Engineering Experience: Proven track record working as a Systems Engineer, Cloud Architect, or similar role with a focus on highly distributed environments.
• Cloud Native Expertise: Deep understanding of cloud-native ecosystems.
• CDN & Networking: Knowledge of Content Delivery Networks, edge caching, load balancing, DNS, and core network protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP/2/3, TLS, BGP).
• Automation & IaC: Experience with configuration management and Infrastructure as Code, specifically Gitlab and Terraform, to drive automated deployments.
• Analytical & Design Skills: Exceptional ability to gather complex requirements, model systems, and architect solutions that balance performance, security, and scalability.
• Communication: Excellent written communication skills with a proven ability to produce clear, technical documentation for complex systems.

Desired Skills

• Computer Network Operations (CNO): Experience or background in CNO.
• DevOps: A strong philosophical and practical understanding of DevOps principles and Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) practices.
• AI Familiarity: Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning concepts, particularly how AI can be applied to network traffic prediction, dynamic routing, or automated system remediation.

Location: Columbia, MD (onsite full time)

Salary Range: The salary range for this full-time position is $200,000 to $280,000. Our salary ranges are determined by position, level, skills, professional experience, relevant education and certifications. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for this position across our projects. Within the range, your salary is determined by your individual benefits package selection. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred position during the hiring process. SIGN-ON BONUS ELIGIBLE.

Benefits

• CareFirst Medical Coverage for Employee and Dependents
• Guardian Dental and Vision Coverage for Employee and Dependents
• Up to 25 Days of Paid Time Off
• Up to 40 hours of PTO Carryover
• 11 Federal Government Holidays
• Work From Home Opportunities
• 401K Company Contribution, Fully Vested Day 1
• Discretionary, Certification, and Sign-On Bonus Potential
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Annual Professional Development
• 100% Premium Covered for Life & Disability Insurances
• Additional Voluntary Life Insurance Coverage Available
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Protection Program
• Financial Planning Assistance
• Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave
• Monthly Team and Family Events
• Technology Budget
• Global Entry
• Annual Swag Budget

GliaCell Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.